"Abel Five" #43-16425Seeking her family in need amidst the jungles of Burma

4th February 1944The 27th air-drop luxury supplies to the British troops

This bundle from the U.S.A.A.F. officers and men whose
signatures appear below conveys most cordial greetings and very best wishes
for your continued success.

This business of international relations has gotten a
lot of lip service. We feel there should be less talk about it and more
done about it. The British officers and men with whom we work have been
courteous, friendly, hospitable and helpful. We hope that this little gesture
will in some small measure demonstrate our appreciation. The variety of
contents should reveal to you the spontaneity and voluntary nature of the
contributions.

We don't have a great many "extras" but by your standards,
our lot is a luxurious one. The boys have gotten a great kick out of sharing
a bit of it. Much good luck to you and to use a good old American expression
"give them the works fellows".

NB. The men of the 27th received very little in luxury
rations but did dig down into their meager supply forwarding soap, shaving
cream, spam, candy, cigarettes and the like.

Reply from Brigadier Fergusson

ADM HQ. ENTERPRISE

Q/37

9 March, 1944

Major BURWELL

27/315 Sqns., USAAF

Letter received from Brigadier FERGUSSON, Comd. ENTERPRISE
is fwd.

"To all American officers and men who sent us comforts.
This is an exceedingly difficult letter to write. Your presents were entirely
unexpected and you have no idea how much they were appreciated.

I think we all agree that too much of our alliance has
been "lip service only" . Nobody however, taking part in this enterprise
whether from the air or on the ground can ever feel that way again. At
this moment, I am sitting on the bank of the Chindwin, watching my men
eating American rations, crossing the river in boats brought in American
gliders, with American outboard motors. But far more important is the American
personnel who bring us these things. I assure you that it is no mere figure
of speech when I say that all my men are indeed grateful and feel very
closely akined to you all.

These presents of yours are acceptable, but acceptable
far more as a token of our friendship. One day we all hope we can reciprocate."Best
of luck!"

Bernard Fergusson

"Brigadier"

2, March 1944 "No typewriters in the jungle!"

Brigadier Bernard Fergusson, The Black Watch (Royal
Highland Regiment)Commander of 16 Infantry Brigade, waits on the bank of
the Chindwin river for gliders to bring in boats/rafts for crossing.